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Benfica Suspends Five Fans Over Racist Gestures as Club Denies Prestianni 'Confession'

UEFA's disciplinary investigation remains open with the Benfica winger provisionally sidelined.

Overview

  • Benfica said it suspended five members and canceled their Red Passes after an internal review of racist conduct captured on video during the first leg against Real Madrid.
  • The club stated the disciplinary cases could lead to expulsion and reiterated a zero-tolerance stance on discrimination.
  • Portuguese outlet Correio da Manhã reported that Gianluca Prestianni admitted calling Vinicius Jr. a monkey, a claim Benfica categorically denied.
  • Prestianni has denied being racist and previously said on Instagram that Vinicius misheard him, while apologizing to teammates for the incident's consequences.
  • UEFA has provisionally suspended Prestianni and opened a case; the match in Lisbon was halted for about ten minutes after Vinicius's complaint and Real Madrid won both legs.